Nasreddine Nabi's Kaizer Chiefs to-do-list during the three-week break - Mayele the solution to Amakhosi's problems? A change of formation needed? Time to drop Shabalala & youngsters?

The 2024/25 season has been inconsistent for Chiefs, with seven games played but only five in the league, resulting in two wins, two losses, and one draw.

For a team with such a rich history, the inconsistency has been disappointing, particularly after a 4-0 win over SuperSport United in the Carling Knockout, only to face an identical 4-0 loss to Sundowns in the next round.

Interestingly, they’ve both won and lost matches against Pretoria teams, painting a curious pattern of mixed fortunes against clubs from the capital. Coach Nabi, who has been in charge for just 126 days, faces growing expectations to deliver results and prove he can lead this legendary side back to its winning ways.

Defensive stability has been a persistent issue, with Chiefs managing only one clean sheet across all competitions while conceding seven goals.

Despite having a consistent backline - Fiacre Ntwari, Bradley Cross, Rushwin Dortley, Reeve Frosler, and Inacio Miguel - the defense has shown vulnerabilities against quick, pressing opponents like Peter Shalulile and Iqraam Rayners.

Apart from Frosler, the back five are all recent additions, and while consistency could improve their cohesion, the cracks have already shown.

The backline has often been exposed, especially by pacey attackers, and unless Nabi addresses these weaknesses, the defense could continue to be Chiefs’ Achilles’ heel.

Young talents like Mduduzi Shabalala and Relebohile Mofokeng show immense promise, but they’re no substitute for seasoned guidance on the pitch.

Shabalala, now Chiefs’ top scorer with three goals, has already played over 50 games for the club, a remarkable feat, though he admits that Mofokeng has the luxury of playing for a team with less pressure.

These young players carry huge expectations, but the lack of experienced mentorship risks overburdening them.

Captain Yusuf Maart and other senior players must step up to provide the steadying influence needed to support the next generation.

The responsibility for returning Chiefs to their former glory can’t fall on youngsters alone; they need strong leaders to guide them.

The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Chiefs to bring in experienced players who could make an immediate impact. Bongani Zungu, a seasoned midfielder with European experience, would add depth to the midfield.

Cape Town Spurs’ captain, Asenele Velebhayi, could boost their offensive options, while Jayden Adams might add creativity alongside Gastón Sirino.

Devon Titus, a pacey winger from Stellenbosch, could provide Chiefs with a much-needed goal-scoring threat on the flanks.

Finally, Fiston Mayele, whose contract with Pyramids runs until July 2026, could serve as a powerful target man to complement or compete with Ranga Chivaviro.

These signings could provide the balance Nabi needs to get Chiefs’ season back on track.

Recently appointed Head of Recruitment, Thembela Maliwa has a proven eye for talent, having discovered stars like Luke Le Roux, Tashreeq Matthews, and Rivaldo Coetzee in his previous roles. Chiefs will rely on Maliwa’s expertise to bring in quality players who can stabilize the team and bring back the trophies.

If anyone can identify and secure talent that fits Chiefs’ needs, it’s Maliwa. But with expectations at an all-time high, he’ll need to ensure every signing has the potential to make an immediate impact on the pitch.

Nabi has favored a 4-2-3-1 formation, relying on players like Samkelo Zwane and Yusuf Maart to hold the midfield, with Njabulo Blom adding defensive grit.

This setup allows Chiefs to play with an attacking midfielder and two wide players supporting a lone striker.

While the system is structured to provide both defensive solidity and offensive options, it has yet to deliver consistent results.

The lack of cohesion among new signings and young players has slowed progress, but with patience and the right personnel adjustments, this formation could bear fruit in the long run.

With early exits in the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, the Nedbank Cup remains Chiefs’ only realistic shot at silverware this season.

The cup won’t start until next year, leaving the league as their primary focus until then.

With 25 league games left, Nabi has a long road ahead to turn Chiefs into title contenders. If he can tighten up the defense and inspire consistency in his team, dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns may still be within reach.

Chiefs’ loyal supporters have long held hope that their club’s glory days will return, but patience is wearing thin.

Despite sell-out crowds and unwavering support, signs of frustration are beginning to show—especially after the loss to Sundowns, where missiles were thrown on the pitch, and some fans even stormed the field.

While fans still believe in “Project Nabi,” they need to see real progress if their faith is to remain unshaken.

With a three-week break before their next match, Chiefs have a valuable window to focus on recovery.

Injured players like Bongani Sam, Mduduzi Mdantsane, George Matlou, and Edmilson Dove will have time to heal, giving Nabi a stronger squad to work with on November 27.

Chiefs can use this break to regroup, reassess, and return stronger—but only time will tell if this pause will bring the reset they need.